MaxPreps 2012 Utah preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012 Utah Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Jordan (Sandy)
2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Eric Kjar
Team preview
In a year where Utah appears void of a national-caliber juggernaut, Jordan begins the season at the state's top-ranked team. The Beetdiggers return play-making quarterback Austin Kafentzis, the reigning U.S. Air Force Freshman of the Year who enjoyed one of the most productive ninth-grade seasons ever. His entire offensive line returns along with seven starters on defense, giving Jordan an excellent shot at a state title. Jordan will have to replace one player from the list of Utah Class of 2012 Division 1 college signees.

2. Bingham (South Jordan)
2011 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Dave Peck
Team preview
Bingham may not be as dominant and talent-laden as it was several years ago, but it's still a darn good football team. Head coach Dave Peck's squad returns five starters on each side of the ball, including standout defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei, whose brother Star could be a first-round draft pick. Coleman Stout should assume quarterback duties. Bingham will enter its showdown against a loaded Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) squad as an underdog. Its experience in out-of-state games should serve it well. Bingham tops our June, 2011 list of the Top 10 Utah football dynasties.

3. Logan
2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Mike Favero
Team preview
At first glance, it would seem that Logan might have a difficult time matching its 14-0, Class 4A title-winning season of a year ago, given that superstar quarterback (and U.S. Air Force All-American) D.J. Nelson has moved on to Utah State. However, Logan has a bit of a secret weapon waiting in the wings in the form of Luke Falk. Falk transferred to Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.) last fall, but returned to Logan mid-season. He has Division 1 potential. Logan appears on the list of Utah state football champions in the past 10 years and hopes to get back again.

4. Cottonwood (Salt Lake City)
2011 finish: 5-5
Head coach: Greg Croshaw
Team preview
Cottonwood struggled to a 5-5 record last year and now is under the leadership of new coach Greg Croshaw. As such, a Top 5 state ranking might be a stretch, if not for Cottonwood's returning quarterback, Cooper Bateman. The Alabama commit enjoyed a big summer on the combine circuit and should lead Cottonwood to a much better record in 2012. Cottonwood ranks fifth on Utah's Top 10 most consistent programs list.

5. Fremont (Plain City)
2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Kory Bosgieter
Team preview
Fremont eliminated Bingham in the Class 5A playoffs last season before eventually falling to Lone Peak in the state finals. It needs to replace reliable running back Nick Vigil, but returns one of the state's best players in Jordan Preator. Search for Fremont players on the list of 2011 Utah All-Region football teams.